Weighted lining for garment, costume or other object

ABSTRACT

A weighted lining comprises at least one weighting layer comprising a weighting material and at least one backing layer coupled to the weighting layer. The weighted lining is configured in a drapeable sheet. In some implementations, the weighted lining further comprises recessed areas formed in one surface and configured to cause the lining to drape in a predetermined way. In some implementations, the weighting layer is cut to remove weighting material and define the recessed areas. The weighted lining can be used with a garment, a full-size or scale costume, a furnishing or any other object, among other applications.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/475,783, filed Mar. 23, 2017, which is herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Working with lightweight materials that need to occupy specificpositions or move in specific ways to convey a desired visual appearanceor look can be challenging. Such materials, which include fabrics andother lightweight materials, are typically selected at least in partbecause of their natural tendency to drape or flow in an aestheticallypleasing way.

But it is still difficult to control and/or to accentuate the drape of adecorative fabric as desired. For example, some garments would benefitfrom an easier approach to assisting the fabric in draping around orhanging from the wearer. These challenges also exist when attempting toconfigure small-scale garments or other costume elements, includingthose used in animation techniques involving repeated shots takenfollowing very minor changes (e.g., in stop motion animation and othersimilar techniques). In the same way, controlling lightweight materialsused in furnishings such as drapes, curtains and furniture pieces wouldalso be advantageous. Linings are sometimes positioned inside of anouter decorative material, but conventional linings are not designed toachieve the desired visual effects to a sufficient degree or in acontrollable way.

SUMMARY

Described below are implementations of a weighted lining that addresssome of the drawbacks of present approaches to controlling the behaviorof lightweight materials in garments, costumes, furnishings and otherobjects.

According to one implementation, a weighted lining comprises at leastone weighting layer comprising a weighting material, and at least onebacking layer coupled to the weighting layer, wherein the weightedlining is configured in a drapeable sheet.

The backing layer can be comprised of a low-stretch fabric. The backinglayer can be adhered to the weighting layer.

The weighting layer can comprise at least one weighting material havingsufficient density. The weighting material can comprise a tungstenpowder. The weighting material can comprise a, granular material.

The weighting layer can comprise tungsten powder and adhesive built upin multiple layers.

The weighted lining can include recessed areas defined in one surface ofthe weighted lining and configured to cause it to drape in apredetermined way as viewed from a decorative side. The recessed areasin the weighted lining can comprise cuts made through at least a portionof the weighting layer.

According to another implementation, a costume element can comprise adecorative outer layer, and a concealed weighted lining attached to aninner surface of the decorative layer and configured to cause thedecorative outer layer to drape in a predetermined shape. The innerweighted lining can have a greater density per square area than thedecorative outer layer.

According to one method implementation, a method of forming a weightedlining, comprises building up a weighting layer by combining granularweighting material and adhesive until a predetermined desired thicknessis reached, attaching a backing layer to the weighting layer to form theweighted lining, and manipulating the weighted lining to have a desireddrape.

Building up the weighting layer can comprise sequentially formingmultiple layers of granular weighting material and adhesive. Each of thelayers can be allowed to dry before a subsequent layer is added to aprevious layer. Building up a weighting layer can be carried out on anon-stick surface.

Additionally, the method can include applying a cover layer to at leastone side of the weighting layer to preserve an adhesive quality of theadhesive layer.

The method can include forming relieved areas in the weighted lining tocause the weighted lining to drape as desired while in use. Forming therelieved areas can comprise cutting the backing layer and at least aportion of the weighting layer. Forming the relieved areas can comprisecutting the weighted lining with a laser cutter.

Attaching the backing layer to the weighting layer can comprise adheringthe backing layer and the weighting layer together.

The method can comprise attaching the weighted lining to an interiorside of an outer fabric.

These and other features are described below in connection with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one implementation of theweighted lining.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the weighted lining of FIG. 1 showingthe weighting layer and the backing layer assembled together.

FIG. 3 is a magnified section view in elevation of the weighted liningof FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a representative garment or costume withwhich the weighted lining can be used.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a section of the garment orcostume and weighted lining of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a section view similar to FIG. 5, except showing anotherimplementation in which the weighted lining is directly attached to thegarment or costume.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another implementation of the weightedlining showing the weighted layer modified to have channels or otherfeatures in a selected configuration as shown.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another implementation of the weightedlining modified to have channels or other features as in FIG. 7 anddirectly attached to the garment, costume or another object.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a portion of the weighted lining showing anintermediate stage in which the weighting layer is covered with aprotective layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described below are implementations of a weighted lining, such as forpositioning interiorly of a decorative fabric to cause the decorativefabric to drape and/or flow in a desired manner. The decorative fabric(or other similar material intended to have the desired drape and/orflow) can be part of a garment, a, costume, a furnishing (drape,curtain, cover, etc.) or other type of decoration, or any other suitableobject. In some implementations, the resulting drape and/or flow impartsan impression of weight or physicality.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one implementation of aweighted lining 100 having a weighting layer 110 supported by a backinglayer 120. The weighting layer 110 and the backing layer 120 are coupledtogether into a multi-layer construction, e.g., as shown in FIG. 2, thatremains flexible, i.e., drapeable, such as by adhering the weightinglayer 110 and the backing layer 120 together. A suitable adhesive isconventional fabric glue, although other adhesives could also be used.Additional details about the fabrication and assembly of the weightedlining are described below.

The weighting layer 110 is preferably formed of a fine granular materialthat is typically deposited and/or shaped into a thin layer(s) ofapproximately uniform thickness. FIG. 3 is a highly magnified sectionview, in elevation, of a portion of the weighting layer 110 and showing,schematically, the particles that comprise it. In some implementations,the weighting layer is only 1-2 mm in thickness. In otherimplementations, depending upon the scale of the object, the degree ofeffect from the weighted lining that is desired and possibly otherfactors, thicker weighting layers can be used.

In some implementations, the fine granular material comprises a tungstenpowder, which may or may not be mixed with other solids. Tungsten powderis suitable for many applications because it is sufficiently dense andcomparatively safe for users (in contrast, e.g., to lead). Becausetungsten powder is a relatively dense substance, it has been found thateven a, thin layer can add considerable weight and effect to a, piece offabric. Tungsten powder with an average particle size of 8-40 micronshas an apparent density of approximately 130-165 g/in³, and a tapdensity of approximately 10.0-12.0 g/cm³ (source: High Density TungstenPowder from Buffalo Tungsten Inc.) In addition to tungsten powder, otherpotentially suitable materials, depending upon the application and thedesired effect, include nickel, iron and steel granular materials.

The backing layer 120 supports the weighting layer 110 and maintains itsintegrity. The backing layer 120 can be formed of any material that issufficiently flexible and compatible with the weighting layer 110. Insome implementations, a low-stretch silk fabric is used as the backinglayer 120 because it can be adhered to the weighting layer 110 easily,is readily available and can be worked (e.g., to receive cuts made witha laser cutter as described below) without introducing complications tothe fabrication process.

The weighted lining 100 has the form of a drapeable sheet. FIG. 4 is arepresentative application for the weighted lining, namely a garment,costume or other object 200 that is desired to have improved drape, flowor other similar effect through the use of the weighted lining. Thedrape, flow or other similar effect may be achieved at any area, such asat representative areas F in FIG. 4. These areas may include folds,pleats, bloused areas, sleeves, hemlines or other lower areas,extremities and other such areas benefiting from improved drape and/orsimilar effects. As shown, the garment has a decorative outer layer 150and, as shown in the cutaway portion, a weighted lining 100 positionedinteriorly of the decorative fabric layer 150.

The weighted lining 100 may be coextensive with the decorative fabriclayer 150 over the entire garment or large areas thereof, or theweighted lining may be provided only in select smaller areas.

The weighted lining 100 may be separate from the decorative fabric layer150, such as is shown in FIG. 5. The illustrated spacing between thedecorative fabric layer 150 and the weighted lining 100 positionedinteriorly is selected for drawing convenience only, as the decorativefabric layer 150 and the weighted lining 100 are in contact with otherin at least some areas while in use. In some implementations, edges orother areas of the decorative fabric layer 150 and the weighted lining100 may be affixed together, such as by stitching, adhesive or othermethod, to align the two components with each other or otherwise keepthe components together.

Alternatively, the weighted lining 100 can be assembled with thedecorative fabric layer 150 into a one-piece construction as shown inFIG. 6. In this implementation, the weighted lining 100 and decorativelayer 150 components can be affixed together using any suitableapproach, such as stitching, adhesive or other method.

In some implementations, the drape, flow or other effect provided by theweighted lining 100 can be accentuated as desired by modifying it, suchas by shaping the weighting layer 110. For example, the weighting layer110 can be made be made to have increased thickness or reduced thicknessin selected areas to provide a desired attribute to the weighted lining100 and, in turn, any decorative layer 150 displayed or worn over theweighted lining 100.

In an alternative implementation of the weighted lining 100′ as shown inFIG. 7, material has been removed from the weighting layer in selectedareas. The backing layer 120 has been maintained (although the backinglayer could also be modified in some circumstances). Specifically, inthe implementation of FIG. 7, material has been removed along a majorline 140 and along a number of minor lines 142 that are connected to themajor line 140. The resulting web-like pattern causes the weightedlining 100′ to drape as desired, thereby taking on a desired shape. As aresult, when the weighted lining 100′ is positioned inside thedecorative fabric layer 150, the decorative layer 150 develops a desiredappearance in areas outwardly adjacent the web-like pattern. Forexample, one or more of the representative areas F could be achieved oraccentuated using the weighted lining 100′ having a web-like patterninstead of the weighted lining 110. The illustrated web-like pattern isrepresentative, and other modifications of the weighting layer can beused instead of or in addition to such patterns.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 7, except showing thedecorative layer 150, which is not modified, in overlying relation tothe weighted lining 100′ of FIG. 7. Thus, although the effects of theweighted lining 100′ modifications would be visible in how the garment,costume or other object drapes or flows, when it is positioned fordisplay or use (not shown in FIG. 8), the modifications to the surfaceof the weighted lining 100′ would generally not be visible.

According to a representative method, the weighted lining 100, 100′ canbe fabricated according to the following process. The weightingmaterial, e.g., tungsten powder, is spread out over a suitable worksurface, such as silicone sheeting, in a relatively thin layer. Siliconesheeting or another similar material is helpful because the powder tendsnot to adhere to it.

Adhesive is then applied over the layer. In some implementations,conventional fabric adhesive (e.g., Pros-Aide) is applied to the uppersurface of the layer with a brush. The adhesive is allowed to dry (ahair dryer or similar device may be used to reduce the required dryingtime). Subsequent layers are added in the same way until the resultingmaterial has a desired thickness. For convenience, this descriptionpertains to weighted material provided in a uniform thickness, but otherconfigurations are possible.

As stated, the weighted material may have a final thickness as thin as1-2 mm, or 3-4 mm, or a, greater thickness. If desired, the uppersurface of the weighted material 110 can be temporarily covered, e.g.,using parchment paper 170 or other similar covering as shown in FIG. 9,while awaiting further steps.

After the weighting layer 110 is completed, the backing layer 120 isaffixed to the weighting layer. In the example above, the backing layer120 is positioned over the upper surface of the weighting layer 110while it is in place on the work surface, and the backing layer 120 ispressed into contact with the weighting layer 110 to adhere the layerstogether. Additional adhesive can be applied as necessary to ensure thatthe layers are adequately bonded. In some implementations, a low-stretchsilk or similar material is used for the backing layer 120. Theassembled weighting layer 110 and backing layer 120 are ready for use inapplications for the weighted lining 100. If desired, the assembledlayers can be configured into the weighted lining 100′ by modifying theweighting layer 110. In some implementations, a desired pattern of lines(cuts, channels or other recesses) is formed in the weighting layer,such as by using a conventional laser cutter capable of receiving sheetsof material. The laser cutter is controlled to cut the predeterminedpattern as the material moves through the cutter. The pattern can beformed to one or more depths as desired. In some implementations, suchas is shown for the weighted lining 100′ in FIG. 7, the pattern segmentsor lines 140, 142 are formed through the entire thickness of theweighting layer 110 and without cutting the backing layer 120.

In view of the many possible embodiments to which the disclosedprinciples may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustratedembodiments are only preferred examples and should not be taken aslimiting in scope. Rather, the scope of protection is defined by thefollowing claims. We therefore claim all that comes within the scope andspirit of these claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A weighted lining, comprising: at least oneweighting layer comprising a weighting material; and at least onebacking layer coupled to the weighting layer, wherein the weightedlining is configured in a drapeable sheet.
 2. The weighted lining ofclaim 1, wherein the backing layer comprises a low-stretch fabric. 3.The weighted lining of claim 1, wherein the backing layer is adhered tothe weighting layer.
 4. The weighted lining of claim 1, wherein theweighting layer comprises at least one weighting material havingsufficient density.
 5. The weighted lining of claim 1, wherein theweighting material comprises a tungsten powder.
 6. The weighted liningof claim 4, wherein the weighting material comprises a granularmaterial.
 7. The weighted lining of claim 4, wherein the weighting layercomprises tungsten powder and adhesive built up in multiple layers. 8.The weighted lining of claim 1, further comprising recessed areas formedin one surface of the weighted lining and configured to cause the liningto drape in a predetermined way.
 9. The weighted lining of claim 8,wherein the recessed areas in the weighted lining comprise cuts madethrough at least a portion of the weighting layer.
 10. A costumeelement, comprising: a decorative outer layer; a concealed weightedlining attached to an inner surface of the decorative layer andconfigured to cause the decorative outer layer to drape in apredetermined shape, wherein the inner weighted lining has a greaterdensity per square area than the decorative outer layer.
 11. A method offorming a weighted lining, comprising: building up a weighting layer bycombining granular weighting material and adhesive until a predetermineddesired thickness is reached; attaching a backing layer to the weightinglayer to form the weighted lining; manipulating the weighted lining tohave a desired drape.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the act ofbuilding up a weighting layer comprises sequentially forming multiplelayers of granular weighting material and adhesive.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein each of the layers is allowed to dry before asubsequent layer is added to a previous layer.
 14. The method of claim11, wherein the act of building up a weighting layer is carried out on anon-stick surface.
 15. The method of claim 11, further comprisingapplying a cover layer to at least one side of the weighting layer topreserve an adhesive quality of the adhesive layer.
 16. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising forming relieved areas in the weightedlining to cause the weighted lining to drape as desired while in use.17. The method of claim 16, wherein forming the relieved areas comprisescutting the backing layer and at least a portion of the weighting layer.18. The method of claim 16, wherein forming the relieved areas comprisescutting the weighted lining with a laser cutter.
 19. The method of claim11, wherein building up the weighting layer comprises forming multiplelayers of granular weighting material and adhesive until the weightinglayer is approximately 1.0 mm or less in thickness.
 20. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the weighting material is a tungsten powder having anaverage particle size of approximately 0.4 to 9.0 microns.
 21. Themethod of claim 11, wherein attaching the backing layer to the weightinglayer comprises adhering the backing layer and the weighting layertogether.
 22. The method of claim 11, further comprising attaching theweighted lining to an interior side of an outer fabric.